An ongoing project since 2007, Walnut Hill Community Association and the Enterprise Center Partnerships Manager Lorna Peterson, went door-to-door to gather community input and to create the original neighborhood plan for the park. In 2009, the WHCA had their initial playground build.

“We built this playground from the ground up,” Peterson said. “The residents, stakeholders and partners from the Enterprise Center all helped make this happen.”

Since 2009, the park became distressed and needed a makeover. The WHCA collaborated with the Enterprise Center to assist in the park rebuild.

The Enterprise Center is a community and economic development nonprofit organization focused on bringing positive change to the community.

Enterprise Center Manager Anthony Dixon said their mission is to make a community impact on the area they live in, which is why they helped in the park rebuild.

“We helped to put this park here and it is our duty to come and repair it,” Dixon said.

This playground is a landmark to Walnut Hill since it is the only park in the Walnut Hill area. While there are events and projects for all ages hosted in this park, the area caters specifically for children.

“Whatever it is we’re celebrating, it is always with children in mind,” Peterson said.

According to WHCA President Margaret Livingston, at least five or six daycares come to this park and use this playground every day.

“This is something we have to do as a community because this is our community park,” Livingston said. “We’re doing it for the kids because this is their play space and it is important they have a safe area to play.”

Livingston said a grant from the Wells Fargo Regional foundation is the leading reason why the park rebuild could happen.

While members from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation were not able to attend the park rebuild, the WHCA members were thankful for their continued support and investment in the Walnut Hill community.